The True History of Christmas: Origins, Meaning, and Why It Is Celebrated on December 25
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, observed by billions of people across different cultures and nations. While many associate Christmas with gifts, family gatherings, and festive decorations, its roots are deeply grounded in Christian history and theology. This article explores the true history of Christmas, the origin of its name, why it is celebrated on December 25, and how cultural influences shaped its celebration over time.
What Does the Word “Christmas” Mean?
The word Christmas comes from the Old English term Crīstesmæsse, which means “Christ’s Mass.” A Mass is a Christian worship service—particularly in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions—where believers gather to pray, read Scripture, and celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) in remembrance of Jesus Christ.
Over time, the phrase Christ’s Mass was shortened in common usage to Christmas, the name now universally used for the festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Why Is There a Midnight Christmas Service?
A popular tradition in many Christian churches is the Midnight Mass held on Christmas Eve. While this practice is ancient, it is important to clarify a common misunderstanding:
Midnight Mass was not the only Mass allowed after sunset in early Christianity.
Instead, the tradition developed because early Christians symbolically associated the birth of Christ with light coming into darkness, reflecting biblical imagery such as “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).
Thus, celebrating Christmas at midnight became a powerful spiritual symbol rather than a legal or ritual requirement.
What Is Christmas Celebrating?
Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Although the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus’ birth, the Church set aside a specific day to honor this event.
Over centuries, Christmas has grown into both:
A religious celebration, and
A global cultural holiday, embraced even by many non-Christians as a time of goodwill, generosity, and family unity.
Why Is Christmas Celebrated on December 25?
The choice of December 25 dates back to the early 4th century, when the Western Christian Church formally recognized it as the feast day of Christ’s birth.
There are two main historical explanations for this date:
- Theological Calculation
Early Christians believed that Jesus was conceived on March 25, the same date associated with the annunciation to Mary. Counting nine months forward leads to December 25, aligning Christ’s conception and birth with divine symbolism.
- Symbolic and Cultural Context
December 25 falls close to the winter solstice, a time when days begin to grow longer. Christians connected this with Jesus as the “Light of the World” and the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2).
While some Roman festivals existed around this time, Christmas was not created as a pagan holiday. Rather, Christianity re-centered the season around Christ, even as some cultural customs were later absorbed.
Christmas in Western and Eastern Christianity
Most Christians today celebrate Christmas on December 25 using the Gregorian calendar, which is the civil calendar used worldwide.
However, some Eastern Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar, where December 25 corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. This difference is due to calendar systems, not disagreement about Jesus or Christmas itself.
The Twelve Days of Christmas and Church Tradition
In 567 AD, the Council of Tours declared the period between December 25 and January 6 (Epiphany) as a single festive season known as Christmastide. This gave rise to the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas, which remain significant in many Christian liturgical traditions today.
Early Historical Evidence of Christmas
One of the earliest written records of Christmas appears in the Chronography of 354 AD, which confirms that Christians in Rome were celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25.
From Rome, the celebration gradually spread:
To Antioch by the late 4th century
To Alexandria by the 5th century
Earlier Eastern Christian communities had initially celebrated Jesus’ birth alongside Epiphany on January 6, showing how traditions developed organically across regions.
Did Christmas Absorb Pagan Elements?
While the date of Christmas itself is Christian in origin, some later cultural traditions—such as feasting, gift-giving, and decorations—were influenced by local customs where Christianity spread.
It is important to distinguish between:
The core meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Christ, and
Cultural expressions, which evolved over time.
Conclusion
The history of Christmas is rich, meaningful, and deeply rooted in Christian faith. Far from being a random or purely cultural celebration, Christmas emerged from early Christian theology, symbolism, and worship. While traditions have evolved across centuries and cultures, the heart of Christmas remains the same: the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope, light, and salvation Christians believe He brought into the world.
Last modified: December 25, 2025
